North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng announced Ikhwezi Tasmica Joint Venture as the new operator for commuter services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District on Wednesday, 01 October 2025.
This process was delayed by court challenges from the previous operator, but after a protracted legal battle, the High Court dismissed their appeal.
The announcement by Morweng comes after judgement of the High Court of South Africa, North West Division, Mahikeng confirms appeal by Atamelang Bus Transport is dismissed with costs. In a judgment handed down electronically on Friday, 26th of September 2025, the High Court said in part that “… there is regrettably no merit in any of the grounds of appeal by Atamelang.
This decision therefore means the department can restart the processes which were halted by the erstwhile commuter transport service provider which had interdicted the department from providing the service in the district.
The legal matter between Atamelang and the affected department had a negative impact on commuters for eight months, many of whom are in rural areas with no alternative means of transportation.
“We have convened here today to announce the resumption of commuter transport services in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
“The previous operator’s contract was terminated due to repeated violations of the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Despite being contracted to operate 133 buses, the operator consistently provided only 55 a mere 40% of the required capacity. This left many passengers stranded, as scheduled routes and trips could not be adequately serviced,” said Morweng.
Morweng told journalists that before termination, they have engaged extensively with Atamelang, holding several intervention meetings and issuing numerous letters in an attempt to resolve the challenges.
Unfortunately, the situation did not improve.
“On the 21st of November 2024, a termination notice was issued, giving the operator three months to improve services.
“Instead of recovery, service delivery continued to decline until operations collapsed entirely. Consequently, in accordance with the SLA, the contract was formally terminated on the 5th of March 2025,” Moreeng said.
He indicated that the department could not allow communities, who rely solely on this service to continue suffering.
SHOCKING:
“In engagements with employees, bus drivers reported being instructed to overload buses and to drive vehicles with serious mechanical defects, including faulty brakes, thereby endangering passengers’ lives.
“Commuters echoed similar frustrations, citing unreliable service, unsafe conditions, and financial losses when monthly tickets could not be honoured.”
The matter received the attention of the Commuter Forum, who also submitted a memorandum highlighting these grievances.
Morweng claimed that Ikhwezi Tasmica has the capacity to provide safe, reliable, and efficient commuter transport; ensuring passengers are neither stranded nor overloaded.
Playing the right music to the ears of the former employees, Morweng announced they will be employed by the new operator.
“As I have previously committed, the new operator has been engaged and agreement reached that priority will be given to former employees of Atamelang.”
Their absorption will occur in three phases:
- Current employees still in service.
- Former employees who resigned under financial pressure.
- Those dismissed under questionable circumstances.
The operator committed that training for drivers, ticket sellers, and other staff will commence as a matter of urgency. Employer/Employee committees have been formed to ensure smooth transition.
Services are expected to be introduced in phases, beginning with high volume critical routes in and around Mahikeng, Lichtenburg, and Zeerust.
“I appeal to commuters for patience, as all routes will eventually be restored once depots and facilities are fully secured. At present, the Mahikeng depot remains under Atamelang’s ownership, with the Lichtenburg depot has been destroyed, leaving Lehurutshe as the only secured facility.
“I wish to express our gratitude to the taxi industry for stepping in and assisting communities during this transition. I further call for continued cooperation between the bus and taxi industries, as they complement one another. We rely on SANTACO leadership to nurture this partnership going forward.”
Meanwhile, the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Transport Management chaired by Hon. Freddy Sonakile welcomed the resumption of commuter transport services and applauded the department for this decisive action.
“We particularly commend MEC W.M. Morweng for implementing the Committee’s advice on the absorption of former Atamelang employees into the new service. This demonstrates a commitment to justice and the protection of workers’ livelihoods. We urge all affected employees to cooperate fully with the transition process, which will be carried out in three phases to ensure smooth and orderly service restoration.
“We also note the appointment of the new service provider, Ikhwezi Tasmica Joint Venture, which takes over the service and has cooperated with the department thus far. Cooperation between bus and taxi operators will remain critical in ensuring uninterrupted service to commuters,” said Sonakile.
